Gemotions

"No." The word left Daniel's lips in a whisper. The scholarship committee’s decision was final. He stared at the screen, a cold knot forming in his throat. He'd poured his heart into that application, and now, nothing.

He walked out of the campus computer lab and into the bustling quad, but the noise of other students seemed to fade. The familiar faces blurred. A sense of detachment washed over him. It was as if he was observing the world from behind a thick pane of glass.

He walked to the edge of the fountain, watching the water ripple. The spray felt cool on his face, but it did nothing to soothe the gnawing feeling inside. He clenched his fists, wishing someone would see through his practiced smile.